things not to do during a job interview

JOB INTERVIEW (PART 2)

10 things not to do during a job interview

1. Do not arrive too early

This issue depends to a large extent on the country where you are applying for a job, but in general it is assumed that an interviewee arrives circa 15 minutes before the scheduled beginning of the interview. If you arrive too early, you risk creating an impression that either you are overly desperate to get the job or you have insufficient time management skills and are unable to plan your activities properly. Both of these are impressions you do not want to make on your future employer.

2. Do not smoke or chew gum

Smoking and chewing gum during an interview are considered to be unpardonable faux-pas. You must remember never to do them. Even should your interviewer do them, you must not follow suit. Remember, a job interview is a formal occasion and some forms have to be observed. It is very unlikely that

your interviewer will start smoking in your presence; however, should this be the case and you are offered a cigarette, either decline it or, if you want to accept it, first inquire whether this would not disturb any of the persons present. Offering the interviewee a cigarette may signal that the situation is becoming less formal; nevertheless, do not assume it yourself and stick to polite formality. Chewing gum is unpardonable in any circumstances during an interview: it indicates your lack of respect towards the interviewer and may be interpreted as scorn for the company and job as such. In addition, indulging in such activities as smoking or chewing gum during an interview may also be understood as a sign of your inability to cope with a stressful situation, which is an impression you need to avoid.